An arbitration hearing is more relaxed and less formal than a courtroom trail, but still needs to have a predictable structure so that the parties know what to expect. We have designed a simple yet highly effective hearing method, designed so that parties can represent themselves efficiently and to provide our arbitrators with the best way to learn about your case. To do that, we break the hearing up into 4 parts we call "phases".

Phase 1 - the opening statement,
Phase 2 - questions from the arbitrator,
Phase 3 - all additional testimony and evidence, and
Phase 4 - the closing argument.

Think of presenting your case in the same manner you might write an article for a magazine. First you research your subject before you start writing. When you do start writing, you need an introduction that gives the reader a sense of what's to come. You don't want to start throwing facts and details at the reader before you have given him or her a solid framework (a clear picture in the mind) so that the facts and details are understood in context.

The same is true for a good opening statement. The best opening statements have few if any details, focusing instead on painting a clear picture in the arbitrator's mind.

In the second phase of the hearing, the arbitrator will begin to ask questions. The purpose of the questions is solely for shedding light on areas where the arbitrator needs more information in order to have a complete understanding not only of the facts leading up to the dispute, but also to understand each party's thoughts and feelings leading up to the dispute. A good arbitrator tries to walk in your shoes (the same with the other party, of course). The arbitrator announces the end of the second phase when he or she feels comfortable with your case and is ready to hear more.

The third phase is where both parties are able to provide any additional testimony or evidence in support of their case. This phase goes on until both sides are finished testifying and each side "rests their case." That concludes the testimony and evidence portion of the hearing.

The last phase is closing arguments. Note the contrast between the word "statement" used in "opening statements", and the word "argument" in "closing arguments". The purpose of a statement is to inform the reader about certain things of a factual nature. In law, the term "argument" has a special meaning. This is where you try to persuade the arbitrator through logic that the testimony and evidence support a decision in your favor. New evidence is not allowed in a closing argument.

Justice

Reasonably Priced!

Free Filing!!!

In 2005 net-ARB was the first arbitration firm to entirely eliminate filing fees or registration fees. These fees are a relic of the past when filing a case for arbitration required the assistance of a case intake worker. net-ARB's intake is fully automated - you do the work of filling out the form so why should we charge a fee?

No Hidden Arbitrator Fees

Unlike other arbitration firms, net-ARB does not charge both an administrative fee and separate, sometimes hidden arbitrator fees. To make matters worse, these hidden arbitrator fees may even be an unspecified and uncapped amount based upon an hourly rate. At net-ARB, arbitrator fees are fixed and included in the fees quoted below.

No Outrageous Fees Based on Amount in Controversy

Some of the other arbitration firms increase their fees based upon the amount in controversy. net-ARB does not charge you more just because the case involves more money. When the stakes are higher, net-ARB does require you to upgrade the hearing process for added assurance of obtaining the proper result. As you will see below, net-ARB's fees are still extremely reasonable, no matter which arbitration option you select!

Arbitration Options and Fee Schedule

Prices shown are usually paid by each party, except for Ex Parte Hearings and the Affidavit of Arbitration which is paid by the party requesting them and the amount listed below is the total amount due and not per party. The parties' original, signed arbitration agreement may modify that default allocation. The arbitrator(s) may award the cost of arbitration irrespective of initial payments.

Written Submission ... $299 per party

• Up to $20,000 in controversy.
• Decided by a single arbitrator.
• Each party submits its evidence and presents its case in one written submission. The arbitrator may ask each side questions by email if necessary, before making a decision.
• Quickest and least expensive option.

Single Arbitrator Hearing ... $499 per party

• Up to $50,000 in controversy.
• An arbitrator will conduct a fully interactive hearing entirely by email over the course of several weeks. As the hearing progresses, a written transcript will be provided on a secure webpage and a detailed review of the evidence and arguments is provided as part of the Award.

Panel Arbitration Hearing ... $799 per party

• Required for over $50,000 in controversy, but available for any amount in controversy.
• A panel of up to three arbitrators conducts a fully interactive hearing entirely by email over the course of several weeks. As the hearing progresses, a written transcript will be provided on a secure webpage and a detailed review of the evidence and arguments is provided as part of the Award. Both a chief arbitrator and a second arbitrator ask questions of the parties. A third arbitrator is brought in to review the case if the first two arbitrators cannot agree on the decision.
• Reduces the chance of human error in determining the outcome.

Ex Parte Hearing - Single Arbitrator ... $998 total

• Up to $50,000 in controversy.
• Can only be used if the original, signed agreement between the parties states that arbitration is mandatory, and one party fails to fully register, including paying any required arbitration fee.

➤ More information about Ex Parte hearings can be found »here

Ex Parte Hearing - Panel Arbitration ... $1598 total

• Required for over $50,000 in controversy, but available for any amount in controversy.
• Can only be used if the original, signed agreement between the parties states that arbitration is mandatory, and one party fails to fully register, including paying any required arbitration fee.

Affidavit of Arbitration (if needed) ... $99 total

• A net-ARB Arbitration Award is issued after the end of every hearing. In many cases, the parties comply with Arbitration Award and nothing else needs to be done. In this case, you will not need an Affidavit.
• In the event the losing party does not comply with the Arbitration Award, an Affidavit of Arbitration will be required by most courts in order to enforce the Arbitration Award. The Affidavit is a sworn statement, signed by a net-ARB officer and witnessed by a Notary Public, attesting to the validity of the Arbitration Award. This nominal fee covers the additional administrative work necessary to create and notarize the Affidavit.

Payment

• Payment is generally due only after both parties have completed net-ARB registration and signed the Arbitration Agreement.
  
  
• However when a written contract states that a failure to arbitrate is grounds for a default award, your fee must be paid in order to complete your registration. Payment entitles you to a default award if the other party refuses to arbitrate under our terms. Your registration is not complete and no notice will be given to the other party until we receive your payment.
  
  
• When a written contract between the parties states that arbitration is mandatory, if we do not hear from the other party after approximately 10 days, or if the other party refuses to arbitrate and pay any required portion of the arbitration fee, you may elect to proceed with an Ex Parte hearing.
  
  
• Unless special arrangements are agreed upon by net-ARB, payments are to be made using PayPal. A PayPal account is not necessary in order to make payment. You should receive an invoice from PayPal.com within 48 hours. Payment is due upon receipt.
  
  
• All payments are non-refundable.